Fishing Gear, Carcasses, and Bones

We do not support private and commercial fishing practices that endanger the well-being of our avian friends and directly harm the delicate ecosystems we strive to protect. Improperly discarded fishing lines and lures poses a severe threat to birds, leading to entanglement, injury, and often fatal consequences.

Additionally, the feeding of fish carcasses, gut piles, scraps, and bones to birds not only disrupts their natural diet but can result in serious health issues, such as tearing open their pouch or puncturing their throat.

Beyond the immediate harm to individual birds, these practices contribute to environmental pollution, adversely affecting both aquatic and avian life. TREE is against such irresponsible fishing practices because they undermine our commitment to wildlife conservation and the preservation of the greater Tidewater region’s natural balance.

Rodenticide and Glue Traps

We do not support the use of toxic rodenticides and glue traps due to the devastating impact these methods have on wildlife, particularly birds of prey.

Rodenticides, usually designed to harm rodents through severe internal hemorrhaging, inadvertently pose a grave threat to birds that consume the poisoned rodents. This results in a slow and agonizing death for both the intended target and unintended victims.

Similarly, glue traps, often set to catch rodents, ensnare any unsuspecting wildlife that ventures across them, including predators looking for an easy meal. TREE considers these traps inhumane, subjecting animals to a slow and distressing demise through starvation.

Our opposition to these practices stems from our dedication to wildlife welfare and the preservation of environment where animals can thrive without unnecessary pain and suffering. We advocate for humane, ethical, and environmentally responsible alternatives to ensure the well-being of both intended and unintended recipients of these harmful control methods.

Anti-Discrimination

We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve and the wildlife we protect. We welcome and support all volunteers, staff, and community members regardless of race, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, or socioeconomic background. Just as we care for patients from diverse ecosystems, we believe in building a team and community that values and celebrates diverse perspectives and experiences. TREE is committed to maintaining a safe and respectful space where everyone can contribute to our mission of wildlife rehabilitation and education.

Our complete policy is available upon request.

Protection from Harassment

We are committed to providing a safe environment for all its volunteers free from discrimination on any ground and from harassment, including sexual harassment.

TREE will operate a zero tolerance policy for any form of harassment, treat all incidents seriously and promptly investigate all allegations of harassment.

Our complete policy is available upon request.

Whistleblower Protection

We are dedicated to protecting the rights of those reporting illegal activity. TREE will not retaliate against a whistleblower. This includes, but is not limited to, protection from retaliation in the form of an adverse action such as termination of Category 1/4/5 status with TREE, or unfavorable work assignments as a volunteer.

Our complete policy is available upon request.